HELP!!!! All the nursing nurses...

caliotter3 · Dec 20, 2009

I tried to continue breastfeeding when I went back to work but it just did not work. I had problems that just did not get better so I gave up. But it was a nice idea.

allnurses Guide · Dec 20, 2009

Hmmm... most places will let a nursing mother have the time that she needs to pump milk for her baby. However, I too can tell you that it was horribly difficult to work full time and try to continue breastfeeding. Don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work out; that six months of breastfeeding was a tremendous benefit to your baby!

Not to say that you can't do it; like I said you should be able to take breaks to pump... I did work with a nurse once who breastfed her daughter for one year AND worked three twelves a week. It CAN be done. But please don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work out.

crysobrn · Dec 20, 2009

Hi there mama. I nursed all of my kids successfully for a year (three so far and preggers for #4) and pumped at work. I also have several coworkers that have done the same thing.

I work 12's although I only do one or two a week BUT I have never had anyone have an issue with me pumping. Other ppl leave the floor to eat or smoke so pumping is really not seen as a big deal. I make sure to eat while I'm pumping so I'm not taking a break PLUS asking to pump in addition to that. On slower nights I'd sometimes pump twice... there is only one night I can remember for sure that I couldn't pump at all and it's because we were super super busy and there was just no way to do it. I also have a double electric pump so that it doesn't take long (with my oldest I thought a manual was fine and it took me a lot longer).

I guess it depends on how important it is to you. For me it was important enough that I chose to pump... there are moms I know that once they return to work give formula when they're away and they nurse when they're with their babies... Whatever works. GL.

krimicrat · Dec 20, 2009

Many states have laws that protect breastfeeding mothers, and require employers to provide a place for mothers to pump. You CAN do it! Try to look up your states law, and your employers policy for nursing moms. Your employer has an inscentive to allow you to pump - it means less time off for you to stay home with a sick baby! Good luck!

elkpark · Dec 20, 2009

I've never been in the situation myself, but I've worked with plenty of nurses, in different situations, who have pumped at work, and they didn't give any indication that this was a problem or hardship for them.

jennylouwho · Dec 20, 2009

If you're working in a hospital, many have a room for nursing moms to pump. I've known moms who are nurses who continue to BF without any problems*. When you're going through your initial HR stuff, you should ask them - they'll be able to tell you where is a good place to pump at.

*I volunteer with the lactation consultants at our local hospital, so I see them come through our support groups. :)

AnalegnaRN · Dec 20, 2009

Thanks for all the responses I really am hopng that its doable. As a new grad I have to take what I can get but I really want to cont. to BF I am trying to figure out a schedule but thats the hard part. Maybe I am worying for nothing I haven't even had the interview yet. :stone Please keep the suggestions coming

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Dec 20, 2009

I worked nights so for me it was a little easier (most times) to get away to pump. What I would do was bf my children right before I left for my 7pm shift, pump around 12 midnight, then again around 4 am if I could. Some nights I was only able to pump once - luckily though it would only take me about 10 - 15 min to fill two bottles. There were many times I would come home extremely engorged and would either have to nurse right away or pump right away.

My best advice would be to invest in a decent pump (like a Medela Pump in Style or similar) or borrow one from the L&D unit at your hospital. I can be done - you just have to be very determined. I also agree with researching the laws in your state. I bf my first child 17 mos and then my 2nd for 2 1/2 years.

changeofpaceRN · Dec 20, 2009

You can start building your supply at home by pumping extra when you can and storing it in the freezer, you can pump during your lunch break and hopefully 1 or 2 other times during your shift (if nurses can get away for smoke breaks, this shouldn't be different as far as time spent away from the floor). They also sell "portable" pumping machines that can milk you while you drive.. I know it sounds weird but the health of your baby makes the difference.

greenbeanio · Dec 20, 2009

Hi, I just wanted to say I was so glad to hear of your commitment to nursing him till he's 18 months old. That's great! :)

In my case, I found I couldn't juggle both baby and job and I stopped working for a while so as to care for my son. Not at all easy financially, but it's a choice I'd make a again. They're only young once and extended breastfeeding is soooo important in so many ways! (The WHO recommends breast feeding up to the age of two years or beyond.)

Is there any way you could stay home for even 3 more months? By the time he's 9 months old he won't need to be exclusively breastfed any more and it won't matter quite as much if your volume falls off a little (as it possibly might if you have to pump at work).

Chazd18RN · Dec 20, 2009

It is a challenge to make time to pump at work but it can be done with good time management and determination. I pumped with my first child while working 12 hr day shifts on a very, very busy step down unit. Most days I pumped 3 times per shift but sometimes I would only pump twice. I was very worried before going back to work after maternity leave but it ended up being ok.

You don't even have to mention it at the interview or before you start working. Just show up the first day of work and when it's time to pump kindly tell them that you would like to take your 15 minute beak to pump. At the very least you should be getting two 15 minute breaks to pump and one lunch break. That is enough time to pump. Before going to work practice pumping in 15 minutes. You won't have time to wash out the parts but just stick them in a plastic bag and wash them during your lunch break prior to pumping the second time, then wash the parts again at the end of your lunch break in preparation for your third pumping time. After the third pump (your final 15 min break of the day) just stick the pump parts in a bag and wash them when you go home. By the time you go home your breast will probably fill up again (if you plan your last 15 min break just right) then you can bond with your baby and feed him or her right away.

You may be wondering, "If I'm pumping during my breaks, when do I eat??" Well I managed to do both! I used a hands free pumping bra, and it really works. There are many different brands on the market but I chose to use the EASY EXPRESSIONS HANDS FREE PUMPING BRA. It costs about $35 but it works and it is worth it! It has really allowed me to multi task during my breaks. I can talk on the phone, eat, and pump all at the same time. Try it, you won't be disapointed. I used it with both of my babies and it has really helped me to make the most of my rest and meal beaks.

You may be thinking that this is a lot of work along with all of the many tasks that we nurses have to complete during a 12-hr shift but it is so worth it for your baby. Plus it gives you a valid excuse to get away from the floor even when it is busy.Your co-workers and charge nurse will value your determination to pump also because they will see you pumping all of the time, and they will probably be more than willing to cover you for 15 minutes so you can go pump real quick. You benefit for a quick breather, and a chance to make a quick phone call if needed, and of course you baby benefits from moms good milk!!